CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - Grays and Torreys Peaks

CANCELLED due to weather forecast. Grays and Torreys Peaks are two 14'ers that can be easily climbed in one day. This is our goal! Participate at your own risk.

Lying just south of Interstate 70 about 40 miles west of Denver these peaks are climbed by hundreds of hikers each weekend during the summer hiking season. 9+ miles round trip and 3500+ feet of elevation gain, 7 hours of walking time! Grays and Torreys are the highest peaks on the Continental Divide, Grays at 14,270 feet (9th highest) and Torrey's at 14,267 feet (11th highest).

Some Details of the Trail: The first two miles ascend steadily back through the gulch via a series of switchbacks. Spectacular wildflowers highlight this section of the trail during July and August. At two miles we'll reach an Arapahoe National Forest sign for Gray's National Recreation Trail. Here we'll begin to get clear views of Gray's on our left (south and the sharper peak of Torreys on the right. From this point we'll begin to experience the aerobic benefits of this hike!!! As we ascend the rocky ridges ahead watch for mountain goats that frequent the area.

Steep switchbacks will take us all the way to the summit where we'll take lots of pictures! Then we'll walk west off the summit and descend to the saddle between Gray's and Torrey's where we'll begin another steep half mile climb to the top of Torrey's. Here we can have a little food - I have read it's best not to load up on food at this altitude. You're brain needs all the oxygen it can get and you want to avoid altitude sickness.

Our route will be the easiest one to the top of both peaks. It is identified as a class 2 (2.15) route. Specifically we will follow the Gray's Peak Trail to Grays' summit, descend north to the Grays-Torreys Saddle, and ascend Torrey's south side. From the top of Torrey's we will return to the Grays-Torreys Saddle, then traverse southeast to return to the Grays Peak Trail and the trailhead.

Directions to the Trailhead: Exit I-70 at the Bakerville Exit 221. Leave the highway and drive south of a steep gravel road. At approximately 1 mile there will be a dirt parking lot near the start of Forest Road 189. This parking area is considered the winter trailhead and this is NOT where we will be meeting. Go straight and follow the signs to the Grays Peak Trailhead. The last 2 miles are rough and low clearance vehicles should not attempt to travel this road. It is recommended that you use a high clearance vehicle for this stretch of road. This is considered to be the summer trailhead and this is where we'll meet at 7am. There are restrooms near the trailhead.

Optional Lunchafter the hike at Tommyknocker Brewery, Pub and Restaurant located at 1401 Miner Street, Idaho Springs, Colorado, 80452, (303)[masked]. The home of Colorado Mountain Town Craft Beer. Check them out athttp://www.tommyknocker.com/.

I'm going up Wed. evening and camp at the trailhead. I just can't talk myself into another 4:00 AM wake up time after doing that three days in a row. My truck seats six and the long bed can accommodate lots of gear. Anyone want to join me? We can set a meeting time for Wooly Mammoth Wed. afternoon or evening.

From Randy: Directions to the Trailhead: Exit I-70 at the Bakerville Exit 221. Leave the highway and drive south of a steep gravel road. At approximately 1 mile there will be a dirt parking lot near the start of Forest Road 189. This parking area is considered the winter trailhead and this is NOT where we will be meeting. Go straight and follow the signs to the Grays Peak Trailhead. The last 2 miles are rough and low clearance vehicles should not attempt to travel this road. It is recommended that you use a high clearance vehicle for this stretch of road. This is considered to be the summer trailhead and this is where we'll meet at 7am. There are restrooms near the trailhead.

At Randy's request (new Event Host), the carpool time has been changed to leaving Wooly Mammoth by 6am. If you chose to carpool, arrive early to get in a carpool. Again, carpools will leave Wooly promptly at 6am to allow enough time to get to trailhead by 7am. Thanks!

A former member

Debbie. I've hiked these two peaks several times. The first two and half miles from EXIT 221 to the trailhead is very rocky with I guess you could say "pot holes" mixed into it. My Forester Subaru wasn't high enough clearance to make it so we had to take vehicles such as yours.

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